Issuing a press statement Channa Wijewardena and Upuli Panibharatha yesterday rebuffed reports that said that their performing arts foundation had accepted 15 million rupees for their dance presentations at the Hambantota Harbour opening.

Issuing a communiqué the Theatre says it obtained only 6.8 million rupees for the entertainment presentations

Veteran theatrical artistes Channa Wijewardhana and Upulee Paneebhaaratha appeared on last 22nd before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry for Inquiring into Serious Frauds and Corruption and Acts of Abuse of State Power and Privileges for providing a statement with regard to the alleged 15 million-rupee payment for the Hambantota Harbour inauguration entertainment presentations.

The Hambantota – Maagampura Mahinda Rajapaksa International Harbour was declared open on 18th November 2010.

The Theatre points out that about 200 theatrical artistes participated in the ceremony held at the Hambantota Harbour.

Similarly a large number of costume and hair style artistes had participated in this performance.

In the communiqué issued the Theatre says that it obtained a reasonable sum of money for these expenditures.

However, the Theatre points out further in the release that the family members and as well as other children receiving training in theatrical arts have been mentally aggrieved as a result of the querying carried out.